Adena Health's Generous Initiative Provides Warm Coats for Local Youth in Need

Adena Health has demonstrated an inspiring commitment to the community by launching its Coats for Kids initiative, providing warmth and comfort to approximately 1,200 children in need this winter. As the holiday season approaches, the excitement was palpable at The Pioneer Center when Lacey Derexson, the community outreach director, eagerly anticipated the moment children donned the new coats delivered by Adena Health. "This is everything to our families, especially this close to the holiday season," she emphasized.

The Coats for Kids program, an 18-year effort, has successfully provided over 15,500 winter coats thanks to the generosity of Adena Health employees. During a recent delivery, employees, led by Foundation Director Robin Berno, distributed the warm coats to local schools. Participating schools compiled a list of sizes to identify children most in need, enabling employees to purchase coats and ensure everyone had appropriate outerwear for the cold months.

Robin Berno, at the forefront of this initiative since 2007, is passionate about its significance. She shared poignant stories of gratitude from families, highlighting the program's broader impact beyond merely providing coats. "It's about more than just a coat because these kids will remember this," she stated, recalling how one of the Adena nurses herself benefited from the program in her youth, inspiring her to contribute back.

The excitement within schools upon receiving the coats is infectious. Teachers express joy and appreciation, and students often send heartfelt thank-you notes. These tokens of gratitude serve as a reminder of the positive effects that such outreach can have on the community. "Receiving those thank you cards means the world to us, and hearing stories of the impact truly touch our hearts," Berno remarked.

This year, alongside Adena Health employees, local organizations such as the Born Country 4-H club also participated by assisting in sorting coats, demonstrating community-wide support. The Coats for Kids program serves as not just a means to keep children warm but as a foundation to encourage kindness and compassion among future generations.

Adena Health’s commitment to the community extends beyond this single initiative. Various outreach programs are in place, including scholarships for aspiring healthcare professionals and mobile clinics that bring health services into local schools and communities. These efforts ensure that communities in south-central and southern Ohio, where Adena Health operates, remain uplifted and supported.

For those wishing to contribute to the Coats for Kids initiative or other impactful programs, donations can be made through the Adena Health Foundation. Interested individuals can visit the website at Adena.org/donate or call 740-779-7528 for more details. Adena Health, operating for over 125 years, continues its legacy as a key healthcare entity devoted to serving its community, with over 4,200 employees across a network providing various healthcare services. Their mission of compassion and service echoes through programs like Coats for Kids, reminding everyone of the importance of community support during the chilly months ahead.

Topics People & Culture)

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